Norovirus cases rising across LA County, health department says

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said cases of the highly contagious norovirus are on the rise.

The department told Eyewitness News that they use a method called wastewater sampling to detect viruses, and that norovirus concentrations detected in wastewater have been increasing.

Health officials said recent wastewater tests covering a three-week period showed norovirus detection increased 154% in the city of Los Angeles and over 250% in the county.

"Based on past trends, Public Health expects norovirus activity to rise between November to April, when outbreaks are more common during the cooler months," said the health department in a statement.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is spread easily through direct contact with an infected person, eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, or touching contaminated surfaces then touching your mouth without washing your hands.

Symptoms may start 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach cramping, body aches, and fever.

What should I do to stay safe?

The public health department shared the following tips to protect yourself.

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

• Wash fruits and vegetables carefully and thoroughly cook shellfish. The department say norovirus is killed above 60C /140F - freezing does not kill it.

• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, clothes, or linens immediately after getting sick with a bleach-based household cleaner.

• If infected, don't cook food for others for three days after recovering from the illness.